GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Beryl Watts was holding back tears as a petition to keep her in her family home was handed over to Two Rivers Housing on Monday.

Beryl, 75, who lives at Orchard Road, Lydney, has been told she has to leave the house where she and her six siblings were born because it is structurally unsafe.

Her next door neighbour was forced to move out almost two years ago after subsidence caused the building to move.

Two Rivers say the same situation could arise with Beryl's home and want to move her to a safer location.

However, she does not want to go.

"I'm devastated. I just don't know what else I can say," said Beryl.

"It is my life. I have known all of the neighbours all my life."

Beryl's daughter Julie Jenkins has been fighting her mother's corner since February, when Beryl and partner Lesley were first informed about the problems with the building.

She said: "We have 1,320 signatures from friends, family and neighbours, as well as people that have heard what it is about and want to help."

For the full story read The Forester.